Whittier’s ninth city manager in its 127-year history is Conal McNamara, city officials announced Tuesday.

It is a homecoming of sorts for McNamara, who holds the top job in the city of La Palma. Before he accepted the city manager position in that city in 2020, McNamara was serving as Whittier’s community development director.

He is expected to begin his Whittier tenure May 5.

Accepting congratulations from the Whittier City Council, McNamara said, “It’s a pleasure and an amazing opportunity to come back,” he said. “It’s really old hat with the staff, as so many are still here, which is a strong indication why Whittier is how it is, with this outstanding staff and great team. It’s good to be home.”

McNamara’s contract, approved by the council Tuesday, includes a $306,648 annual salary, or $25,554 a month.

McNamara succeeds Brian Saeki, who gave formal notice in January that he would be resigning his position in Whittier to take the top job in Vernon. Following a nationwide search, the City Council held four closed-session meetings and interviewed 32 candidates.

McNamara’s ability to develop good relationships with staff and a leadership style that empowers them, were factors why he was hired, Mayor Joe Vinatieri said. He added that several Whittier city councilmembers and community members who dealt directly with McNamara from 2014 to 2020 are pleased with the prospect of working with McNamara again.“They all knew what you stood for, and where you’re coming from,” Vinatieri said. “The learning curve is minimal here, and that was very important to us as a council. We know who you are, we know your work ethic, we know you are a person of your word, we know that you will listen. Sometimes we agree, sometimes we disagree, but you always hear us.”

The mayor said he is happy the candidate search only took two months as there are a number of important projects waiting for the new city manager.

Councilmember Fernando Dutra, who said he has known McNamara for about six years, praised his extensive knowledge of local government, from serving in community development to county affairs.

“Conal is that local professional who understands what cities need, he gives his heart to everything he does, so welcome back,” Dutra said.

Mayor Pro Tem Cathy Warner noted the incoming city manager’s staff lined the back of council chambers to show support, a sign that McNamara is getting a hearty welcome.

“It’s great to have you back,” Warner said.

During his time as development director at Whittier, McNamara oversaw the successful implementation of key development projects, historic preservation initiatives, and business attraction efforts, including work on The Groves, or Nelles development; The Heights on Beverly Boulevard; Friendly Hills Marketplace; and the relocation of Guilford Hall.

Guilford Hall, a historic Queen Anne House on the grounds of Whittier College, was moved to become part of an affordable housing project in the city in 2016.

That project earned the city of Whittier, the Whittier Conservancy and Heritage Housing Partners of Pasadena the 2021 Governor’s Historic Preservation Award.

Before working in Whittier, McNamara served as the assistant economic and community development director for the city of Azusa.

He has also worked for the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works as a land development project manager and served as a policy deputy for a Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael Antonovich.

McNamara began his professional career as a city planner for the cities of Irvine, San Bernardino and Santa Clarita.

He has earned undergraduate degrees in political science and social ecology from UC Irvine, and a master’s degree in public administration from California State University, Northridge.